U.S. patent application number 13/238730 was filed with the patent office on 2012-03-29 for imaging method and microscope device.
This patent application is currently assigned to OLYMPUS CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Shuzo Hiraide.
Application Number | 20120075455 13/238730 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45870262 |
Filed Date | 2012-03-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120075455 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hiraide; Shuzo |
March 29, 2012 |
IMAGING METHOD AND MICROSCOPE DEVICE
Abstract
An imaging method may include a first step in which light from a
test specimen is guided to an imaging unit, a second step in which
light from the test specimen is guided to an autofocus unit, a
third step in which the light guided to an autofocus unit is split,
and is guided on a third optical path and a fourth optical path, a
fourth step in which a focal point of the imaging unit is adjusted
such that an image of the test specimen that is created by the
light from the test specimen guided on the first optical path is
formed on an imaging surface of the imaging unit, a fifth step in
which an image of the test specimen is acquired and image data is
created, a sixth step in which spectrum information for the test
specimen is detected, and a seventh step in which a color tone of
the image data is corrected.
Inventors: |
Hiraide; Shuzo; (Tokyo,
JP) |
Assignee: |
OLYMPUS CORPORATION
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
45870262 |
Appl. No.: |
13/238730 |
Filed: |
September 21, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
348/79 ;
348/E7.085 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B 21/247 20130101;
G02B 21/365 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
348/79 ;
348/E07.085 |
International
Class: |
H04N 7/18 20060101
H04N007/18 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 27, 2010 |
JP |
2010-215906 |
Claims
1. An imaging method comprising: a first step in which light from a
test specimen is guided to an imaging unit along a first optical
path; a second step in which light from the test specimen is guided
to an autofocus unit along a second optical path; a third step in
which the light guided to the autofocus unit is split, and is
guided on a third optical path and a fourth optical path whose
image point is different from that of the third optical path; a
fourth step in which, based on a difference in contrast between the
light that is guided on the third optical path and is projected
onto a first plane and the light that is guided on the fourth
optical path and is projected onto the first plane, a focal point
of the imaging unit is adjusted such that an image of the test
specimen that is created by the light from the test specimen guided
on the first optical path is formed on an imaging surface of the
imaging unit; a fifth step in which, using the light guided to the
imaging unit, an image of the test specimen is acquired and image
data is created; a sixth step in which, using the light guided to
the autofocus unit, spectrum information for the test specimen is
detected; and a seventh step in which, based on the spectrum
information that has been detected, a color tone of the image data
is corrected.
2. The imaging method according to claim 1, wherein, in the sixth
step, the spectrum information for the test specimen is detected
using at least one of the light guided on the third optical path
and the light guided on the fourth optical path.
3. The imaging method according to claim 2, wherein, in the sixth
step, the light guided on the third optical path and the light
guided on the fourth optical path pass through a color mixing
unit.
4. The imaging method according to claim 1, further comprising: an
eighth step in which a portion of the light guided on the fourth
optical path is guided on a fifth optical path so as to form an
image on the first plane; and a ninth step in which the light
guided on the fifth optical path is color-mixed, and wherein, in
the sixth step, the spectrum information for the test specimen is
detected using the light that was color-mixed in the ninth
step.
5. The imaging method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
wherein, in the fourth step, a sensor that is located on the first
plane detects a difference in contrast between the light that is
guided on the third optical path and is projected onto the first
plane and the light that is guided on the fourth optical path and
is projected onto the first plane, and, in the sixth step, the
sensor detects spectrum information for the test specimen.
6. The imaging method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
wherein, in the fourth step, a first sensor that is located on the
first plane detects a difference in contrast between the light that
is guided on the third optical path and is projected onto the first
plane and the light that is guided on the fourth optical path and
is projected onto the first plane, and, in the sixth step, a second
sensor that is located on the first plane detects spectrum
information for the test specimen.
7. The imaging method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
wherein, in the fourth step, a first sensor that is located on the
first plane detects a difference in contrast between the light that
is guided on the third optical path and is projected onto the first
plane and the light that is guided on the fourth optical path and
is projected onto the first plane, and, in the sixth step, a second
sensor that is located on a second plane which is offset in a
direction in which the focal point of the light guided on the third
optical path or the fourth optical path is more unfocussed than it
is on the first plane detects spectrum information for the test
specimen.
8. A microscope device comprising: an imaging unit that receives
light from a test specimen, and creates image data by photographing
an image of the test specimen; a first beam splitter that splits
light from the test specimen between a first optical path that
guides the light to the imaging unit and a second optical path that
guides the light to an autofocus unit; a second beam splitter that
splits the light guided to the autofocus unit between a third
optical path and a fourth optical path whose image point is
different from that of the third optical path; a light detector
that receives the light guided on the third optical path and the
light guided on the fourth optical path, the light detector
detecting a difference in contrast between the light guided on the
third optical path and the light guided on the fourth optical path,
the light detector detecting spectrum information for the test
specimen using the light guided to the autofocus unit; a focal
point adjustment unit that, based on the difference in contrast
detected by the light detector, adjusts the focal point of the
imaging unit such that an image of the test specimen that is
created by the light from the test specimen that is guided on the
first optical path is formed on the imaging surface of the imaging
unit; and a color tone correction unit that, based on the spectrum
information detected by the light detector, corrects the color tone
of the image data created by the imaging unit.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to an imaging method and
microscope device.
[0003] Priority is claimed on Japanese Patent Application No.
2010-215906, filed Sep. 27, 2010, the content of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] All patents, patent applications, patent publications,
scientific articles, and the like, which will hereinafter be cited
or identified in the present application, will hereby be
incorporated by reference in their entirety in order to describe
more fully the state of the art to which the present invention
pertains.
[0006] In recent years, virtual microscopes have become widely
known in fields of pathology such as cell and tissue diagnosis.
These microscopes take a color photograph of an entire sample on a
glass slide on which a test specimen has been placed, and then
convert this photograph into a digital image. This is then
displayed on a monitor, and can be manipulated just as if the test
specimen were being observed using an actual microscope. Moreover,
because accurate diagnoses are required in medical images that are
used for pathological cell and tissue diagnosis, there is a need
for the color of the subject to be accurately reproduced.
[0007] One method which is known to improve the color
reproducibility of a photographic image is a method in which, using
RGB color image data for the subject and point-measured spectrum
information (i.e., a point-measurement spectrum) for the subject,
the estimation accuracy of the spectral reflectance of a 3-band RGB
image is improved, so that the color reproducibility of a color
image of the sample slide is improved (see, for example,
"Experimental evaluation of color image estimation method using
multipoint spectrum measurements" by Tokyo Institute of Technology,
Imaging Science and Engineering Laboratory, K. Ietomi et al.,
Proceedings of the 54th Spring Meeting, JSAP and Related Societies,
2007 Spring, which is hereinafter referred as Non-patent document
1, and "Piecewise Wiener estimation for spectrum-based color
reproduction using multipoint spectral measurements" by Tokyo
Institute of Technology, Imaging Science and Engineering
Laboratory, Y. Murakami et al., Proceedings of the 55th Spring
Meeting, JSAP and Related Societies, 2008 Spring, which is
hereinafter referred as Non-patent document 2). In addition, a
method in which a spectrum detector such as a spectrometer is used
is widely known as a method for acquiring a point-measurement
spectrum.
[0008] FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of a
microscope device which has been fitted with a spectrum detector in
accordance with the related art. A microscope device 1400 shown in
the drawing includes a stage 1402 on which a test specimen 1401 is
placed, and with a stage drive unit 1403 that moves the stage 1402
in a horizontal direction and in the direction of the optical axis.
The microscope device 1400 also includes a light source 1404 that
illuminates the test specimen 1401, a condenser lens 1405 that
condenses light from the light source 1404, an objective lens 1406
that is formed by a plurality of lenses in such a manner that it
faces the test specimen 1401, a first imaging lens 1407 that is
located on the optical axis of the objective lens 1406, and a
camera 1408 that photographs an image of the test specimen
1401.
[0009] The microscope device 1400 also includes an AF unit 1409
that creates a focusing signal which is required to focus an image
of the test specimen 1401 in the camera 1408, and with a spectrum
detector 1410 that acquires spectrum information about a
predetermined portion of the test specimen 1401. The microscope
device 1400 also includes a beam splitter 1411 and a beam splitter
1412 that are located on the optical axis of the objective lens
1406 and that divide the light from the test specimen 1401 and
guide it towards the AF unit 1409 and the spectrum detector 1410.
The microscope device 1400 also includes a condenser lens 1413 that
condenses light from the beam splitter 1411 and guides it towards
the AF unit 1409. The microscope device also includes a condenser
lens 1414 that condenses light from the beam splitter 1412 and
guides it towards the spectrum detector 1410. The microscope device
1400 also includes an image processing section 1415 that, based on
spectrum information detected by the spectrum detector 1409,
corrects images acquired by the camera 1408.
[0010] Next, the method used by the microscope device 1400 to
acquire images of the test specimen 1401 will be described.
Firstly, the stage drive unit 1403 drives the stage 1402 in a
horizontal direction, and moves a predetermined photograph area of
the test specimen 1401 which has been placed on the stage 1402 to
within the field of view of the camera 1408. Next, based on
commands from the AF unit 1410, the stage drive unit 1403 moves the
stage 1402 in the optical axis direction such that an image of the
test specimen 1401 is formed on an image sensor surface of the
camera 1408.
[0011] Next, after the image of the test specimen 1401 has been
formed on the image sensor surface of the camera 1408, the camera
1408 acquires an image of a predetermined photograph area of the
test specimen 1401, and the spectrum detector 1409 detects the
spectrum of this predetermined area of the test specimen 1401.
Next, based on the spectrum information detected by the spectrum
detector 1409, the image processing section 1415 corrects the image
acquired by the camera 1408 so that the color reproducibility of
the acquired image of the test specimen 1401 is improved.
[0012] In this manner, a microscope device 1400 is known that
splits light from the test specimen 1401 and guides the light to
the camera 1408, the AF unit 1410, and the spectrum detector 1409
(see, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First
Publication No. 2008-209627).
[0013] The above described spectrum detector 1409 creates spectrum
information that is used to improve the color reproducibility of
the image of the test specimen 1401 that was acquired by the camera
1408 and, in order for the color of the image of the test specimen
1401 to be reproduced with a high degree of accuracy, it is
necessary for a sufficient quantity of light to be irradiated onto
the spectrum detector 1409 so that highly accurate spectrum
information can be created. The AF unit 1410 creates focusing
signals that are used to focus the focal point of the camera 1408
and, in order for highly accurate focusing to be performed, it is
necessary for a sufficient quantity of light to be irradiated onto
a light detecting element (not shown) inside the AF unit 1410.
[0014] However, in the imaging method employed by the conventional
microscope device 1400, light from the test specimen 1401 is split
three-ways by the beam splitter 1411 and the beam splitter 1412,
and the light which has been split three-ways is irradiated onto
each one of the camera 1408, the AF unit 1410, and the spectrum
detector 1409 so that image acquisition of the test specimen,
creation of a focusing signal, and creation of spectrum information
are performed. In this manner, in the conventional microscope
device 1400, because the light from the test specimen 1401 is split
three-ways, it is not possible to obtain a sufficient quantity of
light to create a focusing signal and to create spectrum
information. As a consequence, the microscope device 1400 is not
able to perform highly accurate auto-focusing, and it is not
possible to achieve a satisfactory improvement in the color
reproducibility of the acquired image of the test specimen
1401.
SUMMARY
[0015] The present invention provides an imaging method and
microscope device that make it possible to perform highly accurate
auto-focusing, and to further improve the color reproducibility of
acquired image data.
[0016] An imaging method may include a first step in which light
from a test specimen is guided to an imaging unit along a first
optical path, a second step in which light from the test specimen
is guided to an autofocus unit along a second optical path, a third
step in which the light guided to the autofocus unit is split, and
is guided on a third optical path and a fourth optical path whose
image point is different from that of the third optical path, a
fourth step in which, based on a difference in contrast between the
light that is guided on the third optical path and is projected
onto a first plane and the light that is guided on the fourth
optical path and is projected onto the first plane, a focal point
of the imaging unit is adjusted such that an image of the test
specimen that is created by the light from the test specimen guided
on the first optical path is formed on an imaging surface of the
imaging unit, a fifth step in which, using the light guided to the
imaging unit, an image of the test specimen is acquired and image
data is created, a sixth step in which, using the light guided to
the autofocus unit, spectrum information for the test specimen is
detected, and a seventh step in which, based on the spectrum
information that has been detected, a color tone of the image data
is corrected.
[0017] In the sixth step, the spectrum information for the test
specimen may be detected using at least one of the light guided on
the third optical path and the light guided on the fourth optical
path.
[0018] In the sixth step, the light guided on the third optical
path and the light guided on the fourth optical path may pass
through a color mixing unit.
[0019] The imaging method may further include an eighth step in
which a portion of the light guided on the fourth optical path is
guided on a fifth optical path so as to form an image on the first
plane, and a ninth step in which the light guided on the fifth
optical path is color-mixed. In the sixth step, the spectrum
information for the test specimen may be detected using the light
that was color-mixed in the ninth step.
[0020] In the fourth step, a sensor that is located on the first
plane may detect a difference in contrast between the light that is
guided on the third optical path and is projected onto the first
plane and the light that is guided on the fourth optical path and
is projected onto the first plane. In the sixth step, the sensor
may detect spectrum information for the test specimen.
[0021] In the fourth step, a first sensor that is located on the
first plane may detect a difference in contrast between the light
that is guided on the third optical path and is projected onto the
first plane and the light that is guided on the fourth optical path
and is projected onto the first plane. In the sixth step, a second
sensor that is located on the first plane may detect spectrum
information for the test specimen.
[0022] In the fourth step, a first sensor that is located on the
first plane may detect a difference in contrast between the light
that is guided on the third optical path and is projected onto the
first plane and the light that is guided on the fourth optical path
and is projected onto the first plane. In the sixth step, a second
sensor that is located on a second plane which is offset in a
direction in which the focal point of the light guided on the third
optical path or the fourth optical path is more unfocussed than it
is on the first plane may detect spectrum information for the test
specimen.
[0023] A microscope device may include an imaging unit that
receives light from a test specimen, and creates image data by
photographing an image of the test specimen, a first beam splitter
that splits light from the test specimen between a first optical
path that guides the light to the imaging unit and a second optical
path that guides the light to an autofocus unit, a second beam
splitter that splits the light guided to the autofocus unit between
a third optical path and a fourth optical path whose image point is
different from that of the third optical path, a light detector
that receives the light guided on the third optical path and the
light guided on the fourth optical path, the light detector
detecting a difference in contrast between the light guided on the
third optical path and the light guided on the fourth optical path,
the light detector detecting spectrum information for the test
specimen using the light guided to the autofocus unit, a focal
point adjustment unit that, based on the difference in contrast
detected by the light detector, adjusts the focal point of the
imaging unit such that an image of the test specimen that is
created by the light from the test specimen that is guided on the
first optical path is formed on the imaging surface of the imaging
unit, and a color tone correction unit that, based on the spectrum
information detected by the light detector, corrects the color tone
of the image data created by the imaging unit.
[0024] According to the present invention, light from a test
specimen is guided by a first optical path to an imaging unit.
Furthermore, light from the test specimen is guided by a second
optical path to an autofocus unit. The light that is guided to the
autofocus unit is split and is then guided on a third optical path
and on a fourth optical path whose image point is different from
that of the third optical path. Based on the difference in contrast
between the light that is guided on the third optical path and is
projected onto a first plane and the light that is guided on the
fourth optical path and is projected onto the first plane, the
focal point of the imaging unit is adjusted such that the image of
the test specimen that is created by the light from the test
specimen that is guided on the first optical path is formed on the
image surface of the imaging unit. Moreover, using the light guided
to the autofocus unit, spectrum information of the test specimen is
detected, and the color tone of the image data is corrected based
on the detected spectrum information. Because it is possible as a
result of this to keep any attenuation of the light that is guided
to the imaging unit and the autofocus unit to a minimum, it is
possible to perform auto-focusing having a greater degree of
accuracy, and to improve the color reproducibility of acquired
image data even further.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The above features and advantages of the present invention
will be more apparent from the following description of certain
preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0026] FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating a structure of a
microscope device in accordance with a first preferred embodiment
of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 2 is a top surface view of a light detector in
accordance with the first preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0028] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the light detector in
accordance with the first preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0029] FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating an area where a
projection image which is projected onto the light detector is
displayed in accordance with the first preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
[0030] FIG. 5 is a graph illustrating changes in a front focus
contrast signal and a rear focus contrast signal when a position of
a test specimen is changed in a direction of an optical axis in
accordance with the first preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0031] FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating changes in a value of a
differential contrast signal when a position of the test specimen
is changed in the direction of the optical axis in accordance with
the first preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating a structure of a
microscope device in accordance with a second preferred embodiment
of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 8 is a schematic view illustrating a structure of a
microscope device in accordance with a third preferred embodiment
of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 9 is a top surface view of a light detector in
accordance with the third preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0035] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the light detector in
accordance with the third preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0036] FIG. 11 is a schematic view illustrating an area where a
projection image which is projected onto the light detector is
displayed in accordance with the third preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
[0037] FIG. 12 is a schematic view illustrating a structure of a
microscope device in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment
of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 13 is a top surface view of a light detector in
accordance with the fourth preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0039] FIG. 14 is a schematic view illustrating an area where a
projection image which is projected onto the light detector is
displayed in accordance with the fourth preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
[0040] FIG. 15 is a schematic view illustrating a structure of a
microscope device in accordance with a fifth preferred embodiment
of the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 16 is a top surface view of the light detector in
accordance with the fifth preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0042] FIG. 17 is a schematic view illustrating an area where a
projection image which is projected onto the light detector is
displayed in accordance with the fifth preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
[0043] FIG. 18 is a top surface view of the light detector that
includes eight color sensors in accordance with the fifth preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 19 is a schematic view illustrating a structure of a
microscope device in accordance with a sixth preferred embodiment
of the present invention;
[0045] FIG. 20 is a top surface view of a light detector in
accordance with the sixth preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0046] FIG. 21 is a schematic view illustrating a structure of a
microscope device in accordance with a seventh preferred embodiment
of the present invention;
[0047] FIG. 22 is a top surface view of a light detector in
accordance with the seventh preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0048] FIG. 23 is a schematic view illustrating an area where a
projection image which is projected onto the light detector is
displayed in accordance with the seventh preferred embodiment of
the present invention; and
[0049] FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of a
microscope device which has been fitted with a spectrum detector in
accordance with the related art.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0050] The present invention will be now described herein with
reference to illustrative embodiments. Those skilled in the art
will recognize that many alternative embodiments can be
accomplished using the teaching of the present invention and that
the present invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated
for explanatory purpose.
First Preferred Embodiment
[0051] A first preferred embodiment of the present invention will
be described with reference made to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a
schematic view illustrating a structure of a microscope device 1 in
accordance with the first preferred embodiment of the present
invention. In the example shown in the drawings, the microscope
device 1 includes a stage 102, a stage drive unit 103, a stage
control unit 104, a light source 105, a condenser lens 106, an
objective lens 107, a first imaging lens 108, an imaging unit 110
including an imaging element 109, a first beam splitter 111, an AF
(autofocus) unit 112, a spectrum detection unit 118, and a color
tone correction unit 119. Moreover, the AF unit 112 includes a
second imaging lens 113, a second beam splitter 114, a mirror 115,
a light detector 116, and a contrast detection unit 117. The AF
unit 112 creates a differential contrast signal that is used to
place an image of a test specimen 101 that is projected onto the
imaging element 109 of the imaging unit 110 in a focused state, and
creates spectrum information that is used to correct the color
reproducibility of the image data created by the imaging unit
110.
[0052] The stage 102 is a base on which the test specimen 101 is
mounted. The stage drive unit 103 drives the stage 102 in
horizontal and vertical directions. The stage control unit 104
controls the stage drive unit 103. The light source 105 generates
light so as to provide transmitted illumination for the test
specimen 101. The condenser lens 106 condenses the light generated
by the light source 105 and irradiates it onto the test specimen
101. The objective lens 107 is formed by a plurality of lenses, and
is positioned such that it faces the test specimen 101. In
addition, the objective lens 107 condenses luminous flux from the
test specimen 101.
[0053] The first beam splitter 111 is located on the optical axis
of the objective lens 107 and between the objective lens 107 and
the first imaging lens 108. The first beam splitter 111 allows a
portion of the light condensed by the objective lens 107 to be
transmitted and reflects a portion thereof. As a result of this,
the first beam splitter 111 splits the light condensed by the
objective lens 107 between the direction of the first imaging lens
108 (i.e., the direction of the imaging unit 110) and the direction
of the second imaging lens 113 which is provided in the AF unit
112. Note that the optical path of the light which is transmitted
by the first beam splitter 111 and is irradiated onto the first
imaging lens 108 is referred to as the optical path A (i.e., a
first optical path). In addition, the optical path of the light
which is reflected by the first beam splitter 111 and is irradiated
onto the second imaging lens 113 which is provided in the AF unit
112 is referred to as the optical path B (i.e., a second optical
path).
[0054] The first imaging lens 108 is located on the optical axis of
the objective lens 107, and forms an image of the light which has
been condensed by the objective lens 107 and transmitted through
the first beam splitter 111 on the imaging surface of the imaging
element 109 which is provided in the imaging unit 110. As a result
of this, light from the test specimen 101 is guided to the imaging
element 109. The imaging element 109 which is provided in the
imaging unit 110 receives light from the test specimen 101, and
photoelectrically converts the received light into an electrical
signal that corresponds to the intensity of the received light. The
imaging unit 110 creates image data for the test specimen 101 based
on the electrical signal which has been photoelectrically converted
by the imaging element 109. The imaging unit 110 also inputs the
created image data into the color tone correction unit 119.
[0055] The second imaging lens 113 forms an image of the light
which has been condensed by the objective lens 107 and reflected by
the first beam splitter 111. The second beam splitter 114 is
located on an extension of the optical path B and between the
second imaging lens 113 and the light detector 116. The second beam
splitter 114 allows a portion of the light condensed by the second
imaging lens 113 to be transmitted and reflects a portion thereof.
As a result of this, the second beam splitter 114 splits the light
from the second imaging lens 113 between the direction of the light
detector 116 and the direction of the mirror 115. The mirror 115
reflects the light that was reflected by the second beam splitter
114 in the direction of the light detector 116. Note that the
optical path of the light which is transmitted by the second beam
splitter 114 and is irradiated onto the light detector 116 is
referred to as the optical path C (i.e., a third optical path). In
addition, the optical path of the light which is reflected by the
second beam splitter 114 and then reflected by the mirror 115, and
is then irradiated onto the light detector 116 is referred to as
the optical path D (i.e., a fourth optical path). Note also that
the mirror 115 is positioned so as to be substantially parallel
with the optical path C and the optical path D. Moreover, because
the optical path C is an optical path along which light is guided
from the second beam splitter 114 directly to the light detector
116, while the optical path D is an optical path along which light
is guided from the second beam splitter 114 to the light detector
116 via the mirror 115, the optical path length of the optical path
D is longer than the optical path length of the optical path C.
[0056] The light detector 116 is located on the optical path C and
the optical path D, and receives both light from the test specimen
101 that is guided on the optical path C, and light from the test
specimen 101 that is guided on the optical path D. The light
detector 116 then photoelectrically converts the received light
into electrical signals that correspond to the intensity of the
received light and outputs these signals. Note that the plane
formed by the light detection surface of the light detector 116 is
referred to as a first plane. Based on the electrical signals
output by the light detector 116, the contrast detection unit 117
detects the difference between the contrast of the light from the
test specimen 101 that was guided on the optical path C and
irradiated onto the light detector 116 and the contrast of the
light from the test specimen 101 that was guided on the optical
path D and irradiated onto the light detector 116. The contrast
detection unit 117 also generates a contrast signal that shows the
detected difference in contrast, and inputs the created contrast
signal into the stage control unit 104.
[0057] The spectrum detection unit 118 creates spectrum information
for the projected light based on the electrical signals output by
the light detector 116. The spectrum detection unit 118 also inputs
the created spectrum information into the color tone correction
unit 119. Based on this spectrum information, the color tone
correction unit 119 performs color tone correction on the image
data created by the imaging unit 110.
[0058] Note that, in FIG. 1, a direction which is parallel with the
optical path A is referred to as the Z-axis, a direction which is
parallel with the optical path B is referred to as the X-axis, and
a direction which is perpendicular to both the X-axis and the
Z-axis is referred to as the Y-axis. Furthermore, the microscope
device 1 has a computer system (not shown) that includes a CPU
(central processing unit), ROM (read only memory), RAM (random
access memory), and an external storage device and the like. In
addition, the steps of the processing performed by the above
described stage control unit 104, imaging unit 110, spectrum
detection unit 118, and color tone correction unit 119 are
controlled by this computer system.
[0059] Next, the structure of the light detector 116 will be
described. FIG. 2 is a top surface view of the light detector 116
in accordance with the first preferred embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the light detector
116 in accordance with the first preferred embodiment of the
present invention. As is shown in these drawings, the light
detector 116 includes a line sensor 200 which is formed by a
plurality of light receiving elements 201 arranged in a straight
line. Color filters 202-1, 202-2, 202-3, . . . , 202-n (wherein n
is an integer, in the first preferred embodiment n is set as 6)
that each have a mutually different spectral transmittance are
arranged in a repeating pattern on the light receiving surfaces of
the light receiving elements 201. By employing this structure, the
respective light receiving elements 201 included in the line sensor
200 are able to detect spectrum information of mutually different
wavelengths.
[0060] FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating an area where, in
the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, a
projection image which is projected onto the light detector 116 and
is formed by light guided on the optical path C is displayed, and
an area where a projection image which is projected onto the light
detector 116 and is formed by light guided on the optical path D is
displayed. In the first preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the projection image formed by the light guided on the
optical path C (i.e., the light which has been transmitted by the
second beam splitter 114) is projected onto an area 401. Moreover,
the projection image formed by the light guided on the optical path
D (i.e., the light which has been reflected by the second beam
splitter 114 and then reflected by the mirror 115) is projected
onto an area 402. As is described above, the optical path length of
the optical path D is longer than the optical path length of the
optical path C. Because of this, the image point of the light
guided on the optical path C is behind the light detector 116 (in
FIG. 1, this is a rear focus position 11 on the plane m), while the
image point of the light guided on the optical path D is in front
of the light detector 116 (in FIG. 1, this is a front focus
position 12 on the plane n).
[0061] Next, the signal output by the light detector 116 will be
described. The light detector 116 receives the light guided on the
optical path C and irradiated thereon, and the light guided on the
optical path D and irradiated thereon, and photoelectrically
converts the received light into electrical signals that correspond
to the intensity of the received light and outputs these signals.
Here, an electrical signal obtained as a result of the light
detector 116 photoelectrically converting an image (i.e., light)
that has been guided on the optical path C is defined as a rear
focus signal, while an electrical signal obtained as a result of
the light detector 116 photoelectrically converting an image that
has been guided on the optical path D is defined as a front focus
signal.
[0062] Next, the signal created by the contrast detection unit 117
will be described. The front focus signal and rear focus signal
output by the light detector 116 are input into the contrast
detection unit 117. The contrast detection unit 117 detects
differences in contrast between the front focus signal and the rear
focus signal, and creates a differential contrast signal.
Specifically, the contrast detection unit 117 firstly finds the
absolute values of output differences between pixels of the light
receiving elements of both the front focus signal and the rear
focus signal, and uses the total sums thereof to create a front
focus contrast signal and a rear focus contrast signal. Next, the
contrast detection unit 117 finds the difference between the front
focus contrast signal and the rear focus contrast signal so as to
create a differential contrast signal.
[0063] FIG. 5 is a graph illustrating changes in the front focus
contrast signal and rear focus contrast signal when the position of
the test specimen 101 in the direction of the optical axis (i.e.,
in the Z-axial direction) is changed. The horizontal axis in the
graph shows the distance between the test specimen 101 and the
objective lens 107 (i.e., the amount of defocus), while the
vertical axis shows the value of the contrast signal. The curve 501
shows a relationship between the amount of defocus and the value of
the front focus contrast signal. The curve 502 shows a relationship
between the amount of defocus and the value of the rear focus
contrast signal. As the test specimen 101 which has been mounted on
the stage 102 which moves in the Z-axial direction is moved from a
position sufficiently far from the objective lens 107 (i.e., -Z) to
a position sufficiently close thereto (i.e., +Z), firstly, the
value of the front focus contrast signal reaches maximum at the
focus position of the projection image created on the optical path
D (i.e., the front focus position) and thereafter decreases. Next,
the value of the rear focus contrast signal reaches maximum at the
focus position of the projection image created on the focal path C
(i.e., the rear focus position) and thereafter decreases.
[0064] FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating changes in the value of the
differential contrast signal when the position of the test specimen
101 in the direction of the optical axis (i.e., in the Z-axial
direction) is changed. The horizontal axis in the graph shows the
distance between the test specimen 101 and the objective lens 107
(i.e., the amount of defocus), while the vertical axis shows the
value of the differential contrast signal. The curve 601 shows a
relationship between the amount of defocus and the value of the
differential contrast signal. As the test specimen 101 which has
been mounted on the stage 102 which moves in the Z-axial direction
is moved from a position sufficiently far from the objective lens
107 (i.e., -Z) to a position sufficiently close thereto (i.e., +Z),
the value of the differential contrast signal traces an S curve
which becomes extremely large at the focus position of the
projection image created by the optical path D and thereafter
abruptly decreases to zero, and becomes extremely small at the
position of the projection image created by the optical path C.
[0065] Note that in the first preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the imaging surface of the imaging element 109 included
in the imaging unit 110 is placed in a position where the image of
the test specimen 101 is formed when the value of the differential
contrast signal equals zero. Because of this, if the stage control
unit 104 moves the position of the test specimen 101 (i.e., the
position of the stage 102) in the Z-axial direction such that the
value of the differential contrast signal input from the contrast
detection unit 117 equals zero, the focus of the imaging element
109 can be controlled so as to be focused on the test specimen 101
(optical path difference AF). Note that the processing to control
the focus of the imaging element 109 so that it is focused on the
test specimen 101 is known as focus processing.
[0066] In the first preferred embodiment of the present invention,
when the value of the input differential contrast signal is
positive, the stage control unit 104 determines that the focus of
the imaging unit 109 is in a front focus state, and causes the
stage drive unit 103 to drive the stage 102 in the -Z-axial
direction for a distance that corresponds to the size of the
differential contrast signal. When the value of the input
differential contrast signal is negative, the stage control unit
104 determines that the focus of the imaging unit 109 is in a rear
focus state, and causes the stage drive unit 103 to drive the stage
102 in the +Z-axial direction for a distance that corresponds to
the size of the differential contrast signal. The stage control
unit 104 repeats this operation until the value of the input
differential contrast signal reaches zero. At this point, it
determines that the imaging element 109 is in a focused state, and
the focus processing is ended.
[0067] Next, an operation of the microscope device 1 in accordance
with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention will
be described. Firstly, the stage control unit 104 causes the stage
drive unit 103 to drive the stage 102 in a horizontal direction, so
that a predetermined projection area of the test specimen 101 which
is to be photographed is moved onto the optical axis of the
objective lens 107. Next, the light source 105 generates light that
is irradiated onto the test specimen 101. The light that is
transmitted through the test specimen 101 is condensed by the
objective lens 107, and is split between the direction of the first
imaging lens 108 and the direction of the AF unit 112 by the first
beam splitter 111.
[0068] The light that has been split in the direction of the first
imaging lens 108 is irradiated via the first imaging lens 108,
namely, is guided on the optical path A onto the imaging surface of
the imaging element 109 provided in the imaging unit 110 (first
step). In contrast, the light that has been split in the direction
of the AF unit 112 is guided on the optical path B and is
irradiated onto the AF unit 112 (second step). The light irradiated
onto the AF unit 112 is firstly transmitted through the second
imaging lens 113 which forms part of the AF unit 112, and is then
irradiated onto the second beam splitter 114. The light that is
irradiated onto the second beam splitter 114 is split between the
direction of the light detector 116 and the direction of the mirror
115.
[0069] The light that has been split in the direction of the light
detector 116 is guided on the optical path C and is projected onto
the light detector 116. The projection image created by the light
guided on the optical path C is projected onto the area 401 shown
in FIG. 4. In contrast, the light that has been split in the
direction of the mirror 115 is projected onto the light detector
116 via the mirror 115, namely, is guided on the optical path D.
The projection image created by the light guided on the optical
path D is projected onto the area 402 shown in FIG. 4 (third
step).
[0070] Next, the light detector 116 receives the light guided on
the optical path C and irradiated onto the area 401, and the light
guided on the optical path D and irradiated onto the area 402, and
outputs a front focus signal and a rear focus signal that
correspond to the intensity of the received light. The front focus
signal and rear focus signal output by the light detector 116 are
input into the contrast detection unit 117. The contrast detection
unit 117 detects the difference in contrast between the front focus
signal and rear focus signal, and creates a differential contrast
signal which it then inputs into the stage control unit 104. The
stage control unit 104 moves the position of the test specimen 101
(i.e., the position of the stage 102) in the Z-axial direction such
that the value of the differential contrast signal input from the
contrast detection unit 117 equals zero, and controls the focus of
the imaging element 109 such that it is focused on the test
specimen 101. When the value of the differential contrast signal
input from the contrast detection unit 117 reaches zero, the stage
control unit 104 determines that the imaging element 109 is in a
focused state, and ends the focus processing (fourth step).
[0071] After the focus processing has ended, the imaging unit 110
receives a command from a computer system (not shown) instructing
it to photograph the test specimen 101, and then create image data
for the test specimen 101. Thereafter, the imaging unit 110 inputs
the created image data into the color tone correction unit 119
(fifth step).
[0072] Moreover, when the imaging unit 110 is photographing an
image of the test specimen 101, namely, when the differential
contrast signal equals zero, light that is unfocused, namely, is
either in a front focus state or a rear focus state and that has
equal amounts of contrast is irradiated onto the light detector
116. Namely, the light that is guided on the optical path C and the
optical path D and is irradiated onto the light detector 116 is in
a blurry, unfocused state. Consequently, the light resulting from
the color-mixing of an image of a predetermined area of the test
specimen 101 is irradiated onto the area 401 and the area 402 of
the light detector 116. Color filters 202-1, 202-2, 202-3, . . . ,
202-n that have mutually different spectral transmittances are
mounted on the respective light receiving elements 201 of the line
sensor 200 provided in the light detector 116. By employing this
structure, the respective light receiving elements 201 of the line
sensor 200 photoelectrically convert light which corresponds to the
spectrum of the color filters 202-1, 202-2, 202-3, . . . , 202-n.
Electrical signals that correspond to the intensity of the light of
the respective spectrums and that have been photoelectrically
converted by the respective light receiving elements 201 of the
line sensor 200 provided in the light detector 116 are input into
the spectrum detection unit 118. The spectrum detection unit 118
performs signal processing on the input electrical signals, and
creates spectrum information showing color information for the test
specimen 101 which it then inputs into the color tone correction
unit 119 (sixth step). Note that this processing to create spectrum
information is known as spectrum detection processing.
[0073] Next, based on the spectrum information created by the
spectrum information detection unit 118, the color tone correction
unit 119 corrects the image data created by the imaging unit 110
such that the color reproducibility thereof is accurate, and then
creates an estimated spectral transmittance image which it then
outputs (seventh step).
[0074] As has been described above, according to the first
preferred embodiment of the present invention, the microscope
device 1 splits light from the test specimen 101 two-ways which it
then sends respectively to the imaging unit 110 and the AF unit
112. Of this light which has been split two-ways, the imaging unit
110 uses one light to acquire an image of the test specimen 101,
and create image data. Meanwhile, the AF unit 112 uses the other
light from the test specimen which has been split two-ways to
create a differential contrast signal that is used to adjust the
focus of the imaging element 109 of the imaging unit 110 to a
focused state, and to create spectrum information that is used to
accurately correct the color reproducibility of the image data
created by the imaging unit 110. As a result, the light from the
test specimen 101 is not split three-ways, as is the case
conventionally, and it is possible to create image data, and a
differential contrast signal, and also spectrum information.
Accordingly, because the microscope device 1 is able to keep to a
minimum any attenuation of the light that is irradiated onto the
imaging unit 110 and the AF unit 112, it is possible to more
accurately adjust the focus of the imaging element 109 to a focused
state, and to create higher-quality image data, and to also correct
the created image data such that the color reproducibility thereof
is more accurate.
[0075] Note that in the first preferred embodiment of the present
invention described above, an example is described in which the
light detector 116 respectively detects a front focus signal, a
rear focus signal, and spectrum information, and outputs each of
these, however, the present invention is not limited to this. For
example, instead of separately detecting the spectrum information,
it is also possible for the light detector 116 to synthesize the
front focus signal and the rear focus signal and output the result
as spectrum information.
Second Preferred Embodiment
[0076] A second preferred embodiment of the present invention will
be described with reference made to the drawings. FIG. 7 is a
schematic view illustrating a structure of a microscope device 2 in
accordance with the second preferred embodiment of the present
invention. The only difference between the structure of the
microscope device 2 of the second preferred embodiment and the
structure of the microscope device 1 of the first preferred
embodiment is the structure of an AF unit 612. Note that in FIG. 7,
component elements that are the same as those shown in FIG. 1 are
given the same descriptive symbols as in FIG. 1.
[0077] The AF unit 612 includes the second objective lens 113, the
second beam splitter 114, the mirror 115, the light detector 116,
the contrast detection unit 117, and a color mixing unit 601. The
second objective lens 113, the second beam splitter 114, the mirror
115, the light detector 116, and the contrast detection unit 117
are the same as their corresponding components in the first
preferred embodiment. The color mixing unit 601 mixes light which
is irradiated thereon and allows this light to pass through it.
[0078] In the second preferred embodiment of the present invention,
unlike the first preferred embodiment, when the microscope device 2
is performing spectrum detection processing, the color mixing unit
601 is placed between the second beam splitter 114 and the light
detector 116, and also between the mirror 115 and the light
detector 116, namely, the color mixing unit 601 is inserted on both
the optical path C and the optical path D. Note that when the
microscope device 2 is performing processing other than spectrum
detection processing, the color mixing unit 601 is moved to an area
602 above the AF unit 612.
[0079] By employing this structure, because the color mixing unit
601 is not positioned on the optical path C or the optical path D
when focus processing is being performed, images are projected
correctly on the light detector 116. Because of this, the
microscope device 2 is able to correctly perform focus processing.
In contrast, when spectrum detection processing is being performed,
the color mixing unit 601 is positioned on both the optical path C
and the optical path D. As a consequence, the microscope device 2
is able to obtain even more accurate spectrum information.
Accordingly, the microscope device 2 in accordance with the second
preferred embodiment of the present invention is able to correct
image data created by the imaging unit 110 such that the color
reproducibility becomes even more precise.
Third Preferred Embodiment
[0080] A third preferred embodiment of the present invention will
be described with reference made to the drawings. FIG. 8 is a
schematic view illustrating a structure of a microscope device 3 in
accordance with the third preferred embodiment of the present
invention. The only difference between the structure of the
microscope device 3 of the third preferred embodiment and the
structure of the microscope device 1 of the first preferred
embodiment is the structure of an AF unit 712. Note that in FIG. 8,
component elements that are the same as those shown in FIG. 1 are
given the same descriptive symbols as in FIG. 1.
[0081] The AF unit 712 includes the second objective lens 113, the
second beam splitter 114, the mirror 115, the contrast detection
unit 117, a color mixing unit 701, a third beam splitter 702, and a
light detector 716. The second objective lens 113, the second beam
splitter 114, the mirror 115, and the contrast detection unit 117
are the same as their corresponding components in the first
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0082] The color mixing unit 701 mixes light which is irradiated
thereon and allows this light to pass through it. The third beam
splitter 702 is located on the optical path D and between the
second beam splitter 114 and the mirror 115. The third beam
splitter 702 allows a portion of the light from the second beam
splitter 114 to be transmitted through it, but also reflects a
portion of this light. Consequently, the third beam splitter 702
splits the light from the second beam splitter 114 two-ways,
namely, in the direction of the mirror 115 and in the direction of
the color mixing unit 701. Note that the optical path of light that
is transmitted through the third beam splitter 702, reflected by
the mirror 115, and is irradiated onto the light detector 716 is
the optical path D. Moreover, the optical path of light that is
reflected by the third beam splitter 702, is transmitted through
the color mixing unit 701, and is irradiated onto the light
detector 716 is called an optical path E (i.e., a fifth optical
path).
[0083] Note that in the third preferred embodiment of the present
invention, in the same way as in the first preferred embodiment,
the imaging surface of the imaging element 109 included in the
imaging unit 110 is placed in the position where the image of the
test specimen 101 is formed when the value of the differential
contrast signal output by the light detector 116 equals zero.
Moreover, the AF unit 712 is positioned such that, when an image of
the test specimen 101 is formed on the imaging surface of the
imaging element 109, the light that is guided on the optical path E
forms an image on the first plane, which is the light detection
surface of the light detector 716.
[0084] Next, the structure of the light detector 716 will be
described. FIG. 9 is a top surface view of the light detector 716
in accordance with the third preferred embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the light detector
716 in accordance with the third preferred embodiment of the
present invention. As is shown in these drawings, the light
detector 716 includes a line sensor 800 which is formed by a
plurality of the light receiving elements 201 arranged in a
straight line. Color filters 202-1, 202-2, 202-3, . . . , 202-n
(wherein n is an integer, in the third preferred embodiment n is
set as 6) that each have a mutually different spectral
transmittance are arranged in a repeating pattern on the respective
light receiving surfaces of the light receiving elements 201 that
are contained in an area of each light receiving element 201 where
a projection image formed by the light guided on the optical path E
shown in FIG. 11 is projected (described below). By employing this
structure, of the respective light receiving elements 201 included
in the line sensor 800, the light receiving elements 201 that are
contained in an area 1103 where the projection image formed by the
light guided on the optical path E shown in FIG. 11 is projected
(described below) are able to detect spectrum information of
mutually different wavelengths.
[0085] FIG. 11 is a schematic view illustrating a projection image
created from light guided on the optical path C, a projection image
created from light guided on the optical path D, and a projection
image created from light guided on the optical path E that are each
projected on the light detector 716 in accordance with the third
preferred embodiment of the present invention. In the third
preferred embodiment of the present invention, as is shown in the
drawing, the projection image created from the light guided on the
optical path C (i.e., the light that has passed through the second
beam splitter 114) is projected onto the area 1101. Moreover, the
projection image created from the light guided on the optical path
D (i.e., the light that has been reflected by the second beam
splitter 114 and reflected by the mirror 115) is projected onto the
area 1102. Moreover, the projection image created from the light
guided on the optical path E (i.e., the light that has been
reflected by the third beam splitter 702, has passed through the
color mixing unit 701, and has been irradiated onto the light
detector 716) is projected onto the area 1103. Note that, as has
been described above, when an image of the test specimen 101 is
being formed on the imaging surface of the imaging element 109, the
image point of the light guided on the optical path E is on the
first plane which is the light detection surface of the light
detector 116 (i.e., the first plane and the focus position 13 shown
in FIG. 8). In the same way as in the first preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the image point of the light guided on the
optical path C is at the rear of the light detector 716 (i.e., the
plane m and the rear focus position 11 shown in FIG. 8), and the
image point of the light guided on the optical path D is at the
front of the light detector 716 (i.e., the plane n and the front
focus position 12 shown in FIG. 8).
[0086] Next, an operation of the microscope device 3 in accordance
with the third preferred embodiment of the present invention will
be described. Firstly, the stage control unit 104 causes the stage
drive unit 103 to drive the stage 102 in a horizontal direction, so
that a predetermined projection area of the test specimen 101 which
is to be photographed is moved onto the optical axis of the
objective lens 107. Next, the light source 105 generates light that
is irradiated onto the test specimen 101. The light that is
transmitted through the test specimen 101 is condensed by the
objective lens 107, and is split between the direction of the first
imaging lens 108 and the direction of the AF unit 712 by the first
beam splitter 111.
[0087] The light that has been split in the direction of the first
imaging lens 108 is irradiated via the first imaging lens 108,
namely, is guided on the optical path A onto the imaging surface of
the imaging element 109 included in the imaging unit 110. In
contrast, the light that has been split in the direction of the AF
unit 712 is guided on the optical path B and is irradiated onto the
AF unit 712. The light irradiated onto the AF unit 712 is firstly
transmitted through the second imaging lens 113 which forms part of
the AF unit 712, and is then irradiated onto the second beam
splitter 114. The light that is irradiated onto the second beam
splitter 114 is split between the direction of the light detector
716 and the direction of the third beam splitter 702.
[0088] The light that has been split in the direction of the light
detector 716 is guided on the optical path C and is projected onto
the light detector 716. The projection image created by the light
guided on the optical path C is projected onto the area 1101 shown
in FIG. 11. In contrast, the light that has been split in the
direction of the third beam splitter 702 is split by the third beam
splitter 702 between the direction of the mirror 115 and the
direction of the color mixing unit 701. The light that has been
split in the direction of the mirror 115 is projected onto the
light detector 716 via the mirror 115, namely, is guided on the
optical path D. The projection image created by the light guided on
the optical path D is projected onto the area 1102 shown in FIG.
11. In contrast, the light that has been split in the direction of
the color mixing unit 701 is projected onto the light detector 716
via the color mixing unit 701, namely, is guided on the optical
path E. The projection image created by the light guided on the
optical path E is projected onto the area 1103 shown in FIG. 11
(eighth step and ninth step).
[0089] Next, the light detector 716 receives the light guided on
the optical path C and irradiated onto the area 1101, and the light
guided on the optical path D and irradiated onto the area 1102, and
outputs a front focus signal and a rear focus signal. Note that in
the third preferred embodiment of the present invention, the color
filters 202-1 to 202-n are not mounted on the light receiving
elements 201 contained in the areas 1101 and 1102. Because of this,
the light receiving elements 201 contained in the areas 1101 and
1102 are able to detect the intensity of light irradiated thereon
with more sensitivity. The front focus signal and rear focus signal
output by the light detector 716 are input into the contrast
detection unit 117. The contrast detection unit 117 detects the
difference in contrast between the front focus signal and rear
focus signal, and creates a differential contrast signal which it
then inputs into the stage control unit 104. The stage control unit
104 moves the position of the test specimen 101 (i.e., the position
of the stage 102) in the Z-axial direction such that the value of
the differential contrast signal input from the contrast detection
unit 117 equals zero, and controls the focus of the imaging element
109 such that it is focused on the test specimen 101. When the
value of the differential contrast signal input from the contrast
detection unit 117 reaches zero, the stage control unit 104
determines that the imaging element 109 is in a focused state, and
ends the focus processing.
[0090] After the focus processing has ended, the imaging unit 110
receives a command from a computer system (not shown) instructing
it to photograph the test specimen 101, and then create image data
for the test specimen 101. Thereafter, the imaging unit 110 inputs
the created image data into the color tone correction unit 119.
[0091] Moreover, when the imaging unit 110 is photographing an
image of the test specimen 101, namely, when the amount of light
that is irradiated onto the area 1103 of the light detector 716 is
at maximum, the light that is irradiated onto the area 1103 of the
light detector 716 has been guided on the optical path E and has
been color-mixed by the color mixing unit 701. Namely, the light
resulting from the color-mixing of an image of a predetermined area
of the test specimen 101 is irradiated onto the area 1103 of the
light detector 716. Color filters 202-1, 202-2, 202-3, . . . ,
202-n that have mutually different spectral transmittances are
mounted on the respective light receiving elements 201 that are
contained within the area 1103 of the line sensor 800 which is
provided in the light detector 716. By employing this structure,
the respective light receiving elements 201 that are contained
within the area 1103 of the line sensor 800 photoelectrically
convert light which corresponds to the spectrum of the color
filters 202-1, 202-2, 202-3, . . . , 202-n. Electrical signals that
correspond to the intensity of the light of the respective
spectrums and that have been photoelectrically converted by the
respective light receiving elements 201 that are contained within
the area 1103 of the line sensor 800 provided in the light detector
716 are input into the spectrum detection unit 118. The spectrum
detection unit 118 performs signal processing on the input
electrical signals, and creates spectrum information showing color
information for the test specimen 101 which it then inputs into the
color tone correction unit 119. The spectrum detection processing
is then ended.
[0092] Next, based on the spectrum information created by the
spectrum information detection unit 118, the color tone correction
unit 119 corrects the image data created by the imaging unit 110
such that the color reproducibility thereof is accurate, and then
creates an estimated spectral transmittance image which it then
outputs.
[0093] As has been described above, in the third preferred
embodiment of the present invention, because none of the color
filters 201-1 to 202-n are mounted on the light receiving elements
201 that detect the light that is used to perform focus processing,
it is possible to detect the intensity of irradiated light with
even greater sensitivity. As a result of this, the microscope
device 3 is able to perform more accurate focus processing.
Moreover, because the color mixing unit 701 is located on the
optical path E, color-mixed light in which the colors have been
more uniformly mixed is irradiated onto the light receiving
elements 201 that detect the light which is used to perform
spectrum detection processing. Furthermore, because the microscope
device 3 performs spectrum detection when the color-mixed light is
at its maximum, it is able to obtain more accurate spectrum
information. Accordingly, the microscope device 3 in accordance
with the third preferred embodiment of the present invention is
able to acquire image data in which the focus has been adjusted
more accurately. Moreover, the microscope device 3 is able to
correct the image data created by the imaging unit 110 such that
the color reproducibility thereof is more accurate.
[0094] Note that in the above description, an example is given in
which the color filters 202-1, 202-2, 202-3, . . . , 202-n that
each have a mutually different spectral transmittance are arranged
in a repeating pattern on the light receiving surfaces of all of
the light receiving elements 201 that are contained within an area
where the projection image created by the light guided on the
optical path E is projected (i.e., the area 1103), however, the
present invention is not limited to this. For example, color
filters 202-1, 202-2, 202-3, . . . , 202-n that each have a
mutually different spectral transmittance may be arranged in a
repeating pattern on the light receiving surfaces of only a portion
of the light receiving elements 201 (for example, the light
receiving elements 201 adjacent to the center of the area 1103)
that are contained within the area 1103. Spectrum information may
then be created based on the electrical signals that correspond to
the intensity of the light of each spectrum and that have been
photoelectrically converted by the light receiving elements 201
where the color filters 202-1, 202-2, 202-3, . . . , 202-n have
been placed.
Fourth Preferred Embodiment
[0095] A fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention will
be described with reference made to the drawings. FIG. 12 is a
schematic view illustrating a structure of a microscope device 4 in
accordance with the fourth preferred embodiment of the present
invention. The only difference between the structure of the
microscope device 4 of the fourth preferred embodiment and the
structure of the microscope device 1 of the first preferred
embodiment is the structure of an AF unit 1112. Note that in FIG.
12, component elements that are the same as those shown in FIG. 1
are given the same descriptive symbols as in FIG. 1.
[0096] The AF unit 1112 includes the second objective lens 113, the
second beam splitter 114, the mirror 115, the contrast detection
unit 117, and a light detector 1116. The second objective lens 113,
the second beam splitter 114, the mirror 115, and the contrast
detection unit 117 are the same as their corresponding components
in the first preferred embodiment. Note that in the fourth
preferred embodiment, in the same way as in the first preferred
embodiment, the imaging surface of the imaging element 109 which is
included in the imaging unit 110 is placed in a position where the
image of the test specimen 101 is formed when the value of the
differential contrast signal output by the light detector 1116
equals zero.
[0097] Next, the structure of the light detector 1116 will be
described. FIG. 13 is a top surface view of the light detector 1116
in accordance with the fourth preferred embodiment of the present
invention. As is shown in this drawing, the light detector 1116
includes a line sensor 1200 (i.e., a first sensor) which is formed
by a plurality of light receiving elements 201 arranged in a
straight line, and with a color sensor 1203 (i.e., a second
sensor). The color sensor 1203 includes n number (wherein n is an
integer, in the fourth preferred embodiment n is set as 6) of light
receiving elements 201, and color filters 202-1, 202-2, 202-3, . .
. , 202-n that each have a mutually different spectral
transmittance are arranged on the light receiving surfaces of the
light receiving elements 201. The color sensor 1203 is located in
an area where the projection image formed by the light that has
been guided on the optical path D is projected. By employing this
structure, the light receiving elements 201 provided in the color
sensor 1203 are able to detect spectrum information of mutually
different wavelengths.
[0098] FIG. 14 is a schematic view illustrating a projection image
which is projected onto the light detector 1116 and is created by
light guided on the optical path C, and a projection image which is
projected onto the light detector 1116 and is created by light
guided on the optical path D in accordance with the fourth
preferred embodiment of the present invention. In the fourth
preferred embodiment of the present invention, as is shown in the
drawing, the projection image created by the light guided on the
optical path C (i.e., the light which has been transmitted by the
second beam splitter 114) is projected onto an area 1401. Moreover,
the projection image created by the light guided on the optical
path D (i.e., the light which has been reflected by the second beam
splitter 114 and then reflected by the mirror 115) is projected
onto an area 1402. Note that, in the same way as in the first
preferred embodiment, the image point of the light guided on the
optical path C is behind the light detector 1116 (in FIG. 12, this
is a rear focus position 11 on the plane m), while the image point
of the light guided on the optical path D is in front of the light
detector 1116 (in FIG. 12, this is a front focus position 12 on the
plane n).
[0099] Next, an operation of the microscope device 4 in accordance
with the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention will
be described. The focus processing of the microscope device 4 of
the fourth preferred embodiment is the same as the focus processing
of the microscope device 1 of the first preferred embodiment. After
the focus processing has ended, the imaging unit 110 receives a
command from a computer system (not shown) instructing it to
photograph the test specimen 101, and then create image data for
the test specimen 101. Thereafter, the imaging unit 110 inputs the
created image data into the color tone correction unit 119.
[0100] Moreover, when the imaging unit 110 is photographing an
image of the test specimen 101, namely, when the differential
contrast signal equals zero, unfocused light that is in a front
focus state (i.e., light that is in a blurry, unfocused state) is
irradiated onto the area 1203 of the light detector 1116. Namely,
the light obtained when an image of a predetermined area of the
test specimen 101 is color-mixed is irradiated onto the color
sensor 1203 that is located in the area 1402 of the light detector
1116. Color filters 202-1, 202-2, 202-3, . . . , 202-n that have
mutually different spectral transmittances are mounted on the
respective light receiving elements 201 of the color sensor 1203.
By employing this structure, the respective light receiving
elements 201 of the color sensor 1203 photoelectrically convert
light which corresponds to the spectrum of the color filters 202-1,
202-2, 202-3, . . . , 202-n. Electrical signals that correspond to
the intensity of the light of the respective spectrums and that
have been photoelectrically converted by the respective light
receiving elements 201 of the color sensor 1203 provided in the
light detector 1116 are input into the spectrum detection unit 118.
The spectrum detection unit 118 performs signal processing on the
input electrical signals, and creates spectrum information showing
color information for the test specimen 101 which it then inputs
into the color tone correction unit 119.
[0101] Next, based on the spectrum information created by the
spectrum information detection unit 118, the color tone correction
unit 119 corrects the image data created by the imaging unit 110
such that the color reproducibility thereof is accurate, and then
creates an estimated spectral transmittance image which it then
outputs.
[0102] As has been described above, according to the fourth
preferred embodiment of the present invention, the microscope
device 4 splits light from the test specimen 101 two-ways which it
then sends respectively to the imaging unit 110 and the AF unit
1112. Of this light which has been split two-ways, the imaging unit
110 uses one light to acquire an image of the test specimen 101,
and create image data. Meanwhile, the AF unit 1112 uses the other
light from the test specimen which was split two-ways to create a
differential contrast signal that is used to adjust the focus of
the imaging element 109 of the imaging unit 110 to a focused state,
and to create spectrum information that is used to accurately
correct the color reproducibility of the image data created by the
imaging unit 110. As a result, the light from the test specimen 101
is not split three-ways, as is the case conventionally, and it is
possible to create image data, to create a differential contrast
signal, and also to create spectrum information. Furthermore, in
the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention, because
none of the color filters 201-1 to 202-n are mounted on the light
receiving elements 201 that detect the light that is used to
perform focus processing, it is possible to detect the intensity of
irradiated light with even greater sensitivity. As a result of
this, the microscope device 4 is able to perform more accurate
focus processing. Accordingly, the microscope device 4 of the
fourth preferred embodiment is able to acquire image data in which
the focus has been adjusted more accurately. Moreover, the
microscope device 4 is able to correct the image data created by
the imaging unit 110 such that the color reproducibility thereof is
more accurate.
Fifth Preferred Embodiment
[0103] A fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention will
be described with reference made to the drawings. FIG. 15 is a
schematic view illustrating a structure of a microscope device 5 in
accordance with the fifth preferred embodiment of the present
invention. The only difference between the structure of the
microscope device 5 of the fifth preferred embodiment and the
structure of the microscope device 4 of the fourth preferred
embodiment is the structure of an AF unit 1512. Note that in FIG.
15, component elements that are the same as those shown in FIG. 12
are given the same descriptive symbols as in FIG. 12.
[0104] The AF unit 1512 includes the second objective lens 113, the
second beam splitter 114, the mirror 115, the contrast detection
unit 117, and a light detector 1516. The second objective lens 113,
the second beam splitter 114, the mirror 115, and the contrast
detection unit 117 are the same as their corresponding components
in the fourth preferred embodiment. Note that in the fifth
preferred embodiment, in the same way as in the fourth preferred
embodiment, the imaging surface of the imaging element 109 which is
included in the imaging unit 110 is placed in a position where the
image of the test specimen 101 is formed when the value of the
differential contrast signal output by the light detector 1516
equals zero.
[0105] Next, the structure of the light detector 1516 will be
described. FIG. 16 is a top surface view of the light detector 1516
in accordance with the fifth preferred embodiment of the present
invention. As is shown in this drawing, the light detector 1516
includes a line sensor 1200 which is formed by a plurality of light
receiving elements 201 arranged in a straight line, and with color
sensors 1501 and 1502. The color sensors 1501 and 1502 include n
number (wherein n is an integer, in the fifth preferred embodiment
n is set as 6) of light receiving elements 201, and color filters
202-1, 202-2, 202-3, . . . , 202-n that each have a mutually
different spectral transmittance are arranged on the light
receiving surfaces of the light receiving elements 201. The color
sensor 1501 is located in an area where the projection image formed
by the light that has been guided on the optical path C is
projected. The color sensor 1502 is located in a position where a
projection image that is conjugate with the projection image
detected by the color sensor 1501 appears within an area where the
projection image formed by the light that has been guided on the
optical path D is projected, so that each pixel of the color sensor
1502 matches the image detected by each pixel of the color sensor
1501. By employing this structure, the light receiving elements 201
provided in the color sensors 1501 and 1502 are able to detect
spectrum information of mutually different wavelengths.
[0106] FIG. 17 is a schematic view illustrating a projection image
which is projected onto the light detector 1516 and is created by
light guided on the optical path C, and a projection image which is
projected onto the light detector 1516 and is created by light
guided on the optical path D in accordance with the fifth preferred
embodiment of the present invention. In the fifth preferred
embodiment of the present invention, as is shown in the drawing,
the projection image created by the light guided on the optical
path C (i.e., the light which has been transmitted by the second
beam splitter 114) is projected onto an area 1601. Moreover, the
projection image created by the light guided on the optical path D
(i.e., the light which has been reflected by the second beam
splitter 114 and then reflected by the mirror 115) is projected
onto an area 1602. Note that, in the same way as in the first
preferred embodiment, the image point of the light guided on the
optical path C is behind the light detector 1516 (in FIG. 15, this
is a rear focus position 11 on the plane m), while the image point
of the light guided on the optical path D is in front of the light
detector 1516 (in FIG. 15, this is a front focus position 12 on the
plane n).
[0107] Next, an operation of the microscope device 5 in accordance
with the fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention will
be described. The focus processing of the microscope device 5 of
the fifth preferred embodiment is the same as the focus processing
of the microscope device 4 of the fourth preferred embodiment.
After the focus processing has ended, the imaging unit 110 receives
a command from a computer system (not shown) instructing it to
photograph the test specimen 101, and then create image data for
the test specimen 101. Thereafter, the imaging unit 110 inputs the
created image data into the color tone correction unit 119.
[0108] Moreover, when the imaging unit 110 is photographing an
image of the test specimen 101, namely, when the differential
contrast signal equals zero, unfocused light that is in a rear
focus state (i.e., light that is in a blurry, unfocused state) is
irradiated onto the area 1601 of the light detector 1516, while
unfocused light that is in a front focus state is irradiated onto
the area 1602 of the light detector 1516. Namely, the light
obtained when an image of a predetermined area of the test specimen
101 is color-mixed is irradiated onto the color sensor 1501 that is
located in the area 1601 of the light detector 1516, and onto the
color sensor 1502 that is located in the area 1602 of the light
detector 1516. Color filters 202-1 to 202-n that have mutually
different spectral transmittances are mounted on the respective
light receiving elements 201 of the color sensors 1501 and 1502. By
employing this structure, the respective light receiving elements
201 of the color sensors 1501 and 1502 photoelectrically convert
light which corresponds to the spectrum of the color filters 202-1,
202-2, 202-3, . . . , 202-n. Electrical signals that correspond to
the intensity of the light of the respective spectrums and that
have been photoelectrically converted by the respective light
receiving elements 201 of the color sensors 1501 and 1502 provided
in the light detector 1516 are input into the spectrum detection
unit 118. The spectrum detection unit 118 performs signal
processing on the input electrical signals, and creates spectrum
information showing color information for the test specimen 101
which it then inputs into the color tone correction unit 119.
[0109] Next, based on the spectrum information created by the
spectrum information detection unit 118, the color tone correction
unit 119 corrects the image data created by the imaging unit 110
such that the color reproducibility thereof is accurate, and then
creates an estimated spectral transmittance image which it then
outputs.
[0110] As has been described above, according to the fifth
preferred embodiment of the present invention, because the light
detector 1516, which is included in the microscope device 5,
includes the two color sensors 1501 and 1502, it is possible to
more accurately create the spectrum information that is used to
accurately correct the color reproducibility of the image data
created by the imaging unit 110. Accordingly, the microscope device
5 in accordance with the fifth preferred embodiment of the present
invention is able to correct the image data created by the imaging
unit 110 such that the color reproducibility thereof is more
accurate.
[0111] Note that in the above described example, the color sensor
1502 is located in a position where a projection image that is
conjugate with the projection image detected by the color sensor
1501 appears within an area where the projection image formed by
the light that has been guided on the optical path D is projected,
such that each pixel of the color sensor 1502 matches the image
detected by each pixel of the color sensor 1501, however, it is not
necessary for the color sensor 1502 to be placed in a position
where a projection image that is conjugate with the projection
image detected by the color sensor 1501 appears within an area
where the projection image formed by the light that has been guided
on the optical path D is projected.
[0112] Note that the number of color sensors included in the light
detector 1516 is not limited to two, and it is also possible for
three or more to be included. FIG. 18 is a top surface view of a
light detector that includes eight color sensors. As is shown in
this drawing, a light detector 1816 includes a line sensor 1200,
which is formed by a plurality of light receiving elements 201
arranged in a straight line, and color sensors 1801 to 1808. The
structure of the color sensors 1801 to 1808 is the same as that of
the color sensors 1501 and 1502 of the fifth preferred embodiment
of the present invention. The color sensors 1801 to 1804 are
located in an area 1811 where the projection image formed by the
light that has been guided on the optical path C is projected. The
color sensors 1805 to 1808 are located in an area 1812 where the
projection image formed by the light that has been guided on the
optical path D is projected. Note that the image point of the light
guided on the optical path C is behind the light detector 1816,
while the image point of the light guided on the optical path D is
in front of the light detector 1816.
[0113] In this manner, by providing the light detector with a
plurality of color sensors, and using output values from the
plurality of color sensors to create the spectrum information, it
is possible to more accurately create spectrum information that is
used to accurately correct the color reproducibility of image data
created by the imaging unit. Accordingly, a microscope device
having a light detector that includes a plurality of color sensors
is able to correct the image data created by an imaging unit such
that the color reproducibility thereof is more accurate.
Sixth Preferred Embodiment
[0114] A sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention will
be described with reference made to the drawings. FIG. 19 is a
schematic view illustrating a structure of a microscope device 6 in
accordance with the sixth preferred embodiment of the present
invention. The only difference between the structure of the
microscope device 6 of the sixth preferred embodiment and the
structure of the microscope device 5 of the fifth preferred
embodiment is the structure of an AF unit 1912. Note that in FIG.
19, component elements that are the same as those shown in FIG. 12
are given the same descriptive symbols as in FIG. 15. The operating
procedure of the microscope device 6 of the sixth preferred
embodiment is the same as that of the microscope device 5 of the
fifth preferred embodiment.
[0115] The AF unit 1912 includes the second objective lens 113, the
second beam splitter 114, the mirror 115, the contrast detection
unit 117, and a light detector 1916. The second objective lens 113,
the second beam splitter 114, the mirror 115, and the contrast
detection unit 117 are the same as their corresponding components
in the fifth preferred embodiment. Note that in the sixth preferred
embodiment, in the same way as in the fifth preferred embodiment,
the imaging surface of the imaging element 109 which is included in
the imaging unit 110 is placed in a position where the image of the
test specimen 101 is formed when the value of the differential
contrast signal output by the light detector 1916 equals zero.
[0116] The light detector 1916 includes a line sensor 1200 which is
formed by a plurality of light receiving elements arranged in a
straight line (see FIG. 20 described below), and with color sensors
1901 and 1902 that are provided on a different face from the light
receiving face (i.e., a first plane) of the line sensor. The color
sensor 1901 is placed in an area where a projection image that is
formed by the light guided on the optical path C is projected, and
is placed such that the sensor face of the color sensor 1901 is
positioned on a plane p (i.e., a second plane) where the projection
image formed by the light from the test specimen 101 is more out of
focus than on the light receiving surface of the line sensor. The
color sensor 1902 is placed in an area where a projection image
that is formed by the light guided on the optical path D is
projected, and is placed such that the sensor face of the color
sensor 1902 is positioned on a plane q (i.e., a second plane) where
the projection image formed by the light from the test specimen 101
is more out of focus than on the light receiving surface of the
line sensor. Note that it is desirable for the distance from the
light receiving face of the line sensor to the plane P to be the
same as the distance from the light receiving face of the line
sensor to the plane Q.
[0117] Next, the structure of the light detector 1916 will be
described. FIG. 20 is a top surface view of the light detector 1916
in accordance with the sixth preferred embodiment of the present
invention. As is shown in this drawing, the light detector 1916
includes a line sensor 1200 which is formed by a plurality of light
receiving elements 201 arranged in a straight line, and with color
sensors 1901 and 1902. The color sensors 1901 and 1902 include n
number (wherein n is an integer, in the sixth preferred embodiment
n is set as 6) of light receiving elements 201, and color filters
202-1, 202-2, 202-3, . . . , 202-n that each have a mutually
different spectral transmittance are arranged on the light
receiving surfaces of the light receiving elements 201. Moreover,
as is described above, the color sensor 1901 is placed in an area
2011 where a projection image that is formed by the light guided on
the optical path C is projected, and is placed on a plane (i.e.,
the plane p in FIG. 19) where the projection image formed by the
light from the test specimen 101 is more out of focus than on the
plane (i.e., the first plane) where the line sensor 1200 is placed.
The color sensor 1902 is placed in an area 2012 where a projection
image that is formed by the light guided on the optical path D is
projected, and is placed on a plane (i.e., the plane q in FIG. 19)
where the projection image formed by the light from the test
specimen 101 is more out of focus than on the plane (i.e., the
first plane) where the line sensor 1200 is placed.
[0118] By employing this structure, the respective light receiving
elements 201 included in the color sensors 1901 and 1902 are able
to detect spectrum information of mutually different wavelengths.
Furthermore, the color sensors 1901 and 1902 are positioned on
planes where projection images formed by light from the test
specimen 101 are even more out of focus. Because of this, the light
obtained when an image of a predetermined area of the test specimen
101 has undergone even more thorough color-mixing is irradiated
onto the color sensors 1901 and 1902. Accordingly, the microscope
device 6 of the sixth preferred embodiment is able to more
accurately create the spectrum information that is used to
accurately correct the color reproducibility of the image data
created by the imaging unit 110, and is able to correct the image
data created by the imaging unit 110 such that the color
reproducibility thereof is more accurate.
Seventh Preferred Embodiment
[0119] A seventh preferred embodiment of the present invention will
be described with reference made to the drawings. FIG. 21 is a
schematic view illustrating a structure of a microscope device 7 in
accordance with the seventh preferred embodiment of the present
invention. The only difference between the structure of the
microscope device 7 of the seventh preferred embodiment and the
structure of the microscope device 3 of the third preferred
embodiment is the structure of a light detector 2116 that is
provided in an AF unit 2112. Note that in FIG. 21, component
elements that are the same as those shown in FIG. 8 are given the
same descriptive symbols as in FIG. 8. The operating procedure of
the microscope device 7 of the seventh preferred embodiment is the
same as that of the microscope device 3 of the third preferred
embodiment.
[0120] Next, the structure of the light detector 2116 will be
described. FIG. 22 is a top surface view of the light detector 2116
in accordance with the seventh preferred embodiment of the present
invention. As is shown in this drawing, the light detector 2116
includes an area sensor 2200 in which a plurality of the light
receiving elements 201 are arranged in a two-dimensional pattern.
Note that, instead of the area sensor 2200, the light detector 2116
may include a plurality of line sensors arranged in parallel. Color
filters 202-1, 202-2, 202-3, . . . , 202-n (wherein n is an
integer, in the seventh preferred embodiment n is set as 6) that
each have a mutually different spectral transmittance are arranged
in a repeating pattern on the respective light receiving surfaces
of the light receiving elements 201 that are contained in an area
of each light receiving element 201 where a projection image formed
by the light guided on the optical path E shown in FIG. 23 is
projected. By employing this structure, of the respective light
receiving elements 201 included in the area sensor 2200, the light
receiving elements 201 that are contained in an area where the
projection image formed by the light guided on the optical path E
shown in FIG. 23 is projected (described below) are able to detect
spectrum information of mutually different wavelengths. Note that
instead of arranging the color filters 202-1, 202-2, 202-3, . . . ,
202-n on all of the light receiving elements 201 that are contained
within the area where the projection image created by the light
guided on the optical path E is projected, it is also possible, for
example, to arrange light receiving elements 201 in which the color
filters 202-1, 202-2, 202-3, . . . , 202-n are included in a
checkered pattern with light receiving elements 201 in which these
color filters are not provided.
[0121] FIG. 23 is a schematic view illustrating, in the seventh
preferred embodiment of the present invention, a projection image
which is projected onto the light detector 2116 and is formed by
light guided on the optical path C, and a projection image which is
projected onto the light detector 2116 and is formed by light
guided on the optical path D, and a projection image which is
projected onto the light detector 2116 and is formed by light
guided on the optical path E. In the seventh preferred embodiment
of the present invention, as is shown in the drawing, the
projection image created by the light guided on the optical path C
(i.e., the light which has been transmitted by the second beam
splitter 114) is projected onto an area 2301. Moreover, the
projection image created by the light guided on the optical path D
(i.e., the light which has been reflected by the second beam
splitter 114 and then reflected by the mirror 115) is projected
onto an area 2302. Moreover, the projection image created by the
light guided on the optical path E (i.e., the light which has been
reflected by the third beam splitter 702 and then been transmitted
by the color mixing unit 701) is projected onto an area 2303.
[0122] In this manner, by providing the area sensor 2200 in which
the light receiving elements 201 are arranged two-dimensionally,
and by using output values from the area sensor 2200 to create
differential contrast signals and spectrum information, it is
possible for the light detector 2116 to create the respective
signals even more accurately. Accordingly, the microscope device 7
having the light detector 2116 that includes the area sensor 2200
in which the light receiving elements 201 are arranged
two-dimensionally is able to more accurately adjust the focus of
the imaging element 109 to a focused state, and to also correct the
image data created by the imaging unit such that the color
reproducibility thereof is more accurate.
[0123] The first preferred embodiment through the seventh preferred
embodiment of this invention have been described above in detail
with reference made to the drawings, however, the specific
structure thereof is not limited to these embodiments and various
designs and the like are included insofar as they do not depart
from the scope of the present invention.
[0124] For example, examples have been described in which the
microscope devices use spectrum information acquired by a spectrum
detection unit to perform color correction of image data acquired
by a line sensor, however, the present invention is not limited to
this and it is also possible for the microscope devices to perform
various types of correction provided that the correction method
employed is able to make such corrections using spectrum
information.
[0125] Accordingly, the invention is not to be considered as being
limited by the foregoing description, and is only limited by the
scope of the claims.
* * * * *